Maple Leafs deal D Kaberle to Bruins for prospect

It was a nonstarter for Burke, who indicated he didn’t think he would be able to pay Kaberle what he would want when his contract came due this summer.

Chiarelli said the Bruins will wait until after the season to talk with Kaberle about an extension.

“He’s a guy that we want to re-sign,” Chiarelli said. “Of course there is a chance we won’t re-sign him, but I want to re-sign him, we want to re-sign him. … I think it would be smooth sailing to sign him when it comes to that time. So it’s an important part of this deal because we are giving up significant assets.”

Selected in the eighth round of the 1996 draft, Kaberle appeared in just two AHL games before making the jump to the NHL. He’s represented the Czech Republic in three Olympics _ winning bronze in 2006 _ and leaves Toronto as the franchise’s second-highest scoring defenseman in history.

His 520 points (83 goals and 437 assists) trail only the 762 registered by Borje Salming. His ability to carry the puck and create offense is something Boston needed.

“We feel Kaberle is definitely one of those guys that can provide us with that,” Bruins coach Claude Julien said before the game in Ottawa. “We also talked about our power play and needing somebody back there that can be a quarterback and he’s someone who’s done that for a long time.

“He covers a couple of important needs that we addressed over the course of the season.”

With the Feb. 28 trade deadline approaching, it was the third deal the Maple Leafs made in a little over a week. Francois Beauchemin was dealt to Anaheim on Feb. 9 for Joffrey Lupul and a prospect, and Kris Versteeg was sent to Philadelphia on Feb. 14 for first- and third-round picks in 2011.

While Kaberle and Kelly played for Boston on Friday, Peverley will join the team Sunday in Boston. Valabik will report to Providence of the AHL.

Wheeler had 11 goals and 16 assists for Boston, and Stuart had five points in 31 games this season.

Peverley had 14 goals and 20 assists in 59 games for the Thrashers this season. Chiarelli said he will help replace Marc Savard, who has been shut down for the season because of a concussion.

Colborne was assigned to the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies after the trade.

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